Kalokol – 27th August, 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

In a coordinated effort to address rising malnutrition rates in Turkana’s lake zone region, both the national and county governments have jointly imposed a ban on the production, sale, and consumption of illicit brews and immediately commenced a crackdown in the area from Todonyang to Kerio.

The crackdown follows alarming findings from the January 2023 Standardized Monitoring and Assessment of Relief in Transition (SMART) survey and the fourth wave of a longitudinal study, which identified a strong link between high malnutrition levels and the widespread use of illegal alcohol in the area.

Turkana County Commissioner, Julius Kavita, who led the multi-sectoral team implementing the ban and voiced his concern over the contradiction of malnutrition in a region that heavily relies on the fish industry.

“It is unacceptable that the area between Todonyang and Kerio, which prospers from the fish value chain, also reports the highest cases of malnutrition. The only way to protect the affected children under the age of five years is by aggressively tackling the alcoholism that has gripped their parents,” Kavita asserted.

Speaking at public meetings in Kalokol and Lowarengak, Commissioner Kavita emphasized that his office had received numerous reports of widespread consumption of illicit brews by fishermen in the region.

“We have banned the use and transportation of illicit brews in this region, and stern action will be taken against anyone who defies this order,” he warned.

Kavita added that the ban is in line with a presidential directive and confirmed that all National Government Administrative Officers in Turkana have been briefed on their responsibilities in enforcing the prohibition.

The commissioner also lauded USAID NAWIRI program for its support in organizing public awareness campaigns and promoting behaviour change within the community to reinforce the ban.

Turkana County Police Commandant, Daniel Kinyua, assured the public of the police force’s commitment to enforcing the ban.

He expressed his dismay that, despite their hard work, many fishermen were unable to provide for their families due to alcohol abuse.

Sericho Lokolong of USAID NAWIRI reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to working with the county to enhance resource-sharing initiatives and eliminate conflicts over the use of Lake Turkana.

He stressed that NAWIRI is focused on promoting behaviour change to ensure that earnings from the fishing industry are directed towards improving household nutrition.

Lokolong also highlighted USAID NAWIRI’s collaboration with the county to ensure that local traders adhere to their license terms, preventing them from operating as both wholesalers and retailers.

During the public gatherings, residents were also sensitized by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) on compensation arising from cases of human-wildlife conflict in Lake Turkana where lives have been lost to crocodile attacks.